Culture of Cool

Gucci Admits Dapper Dan Influenced Its New Collection

Gucci’s 2018 resort collection was a 115-look nod to the designs of its past, but one look in particular became the center of controversy for its uncanny resemblance to a Dapper Dan original. The fashion house has now responded to claims that it copied a piece created by the iconic Harlem tailor three decades ago, admitting that he influenced the design. Gucci says it’s an “homage” that “celebrates an iconic style of hip-hop fashion culture from the ’80,” which “legendary tailor Dapper Dan influenced…by making such custom pieces for his rapper and athlete clients out of logos from famous fashion houses, including Gucci.”

A spokesperson from Gucci told The New York Times that creative director Alessandro Michele reached out to Dapper Dan and is looking to collaborate but has yet to hear back.